Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is not a new therapeutic technique, but many people are still unfamiliar with the benefits of this therapy. EMDR was developed in the 1990s to help trauma survivors and others who want to work through damaging events in their lives without discussing the painful specifics of past events.
Studies have shown that EMDR is effective. It can provide quick relief from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Explore our site to see the potential of EMDR to improve your quality of life, and when you’re ready, Begin Here.
EMDR is safe and has been recommended by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization to treat PTSD. Therapists also use EMDR therapy to treat other mental health issues, including:
There are eight phases of EMDR. While the process is different for everyone, and some may take longer to get through the history and preparation phases, it's possible to work through all of the steps in one therapy session.
There’s little talking with EMDR, especially after the initial phases. You won’t be required
to have an in-depth discussion about painful past experiences or do homework between
sessions. Given the reluctance of many people who have suffered from trauma, including combat veterans, to discuss their experience, this factor makes EMDR an ideal treatment.
During an EMDR session, your therapist will gather the information that’s pertinent to the issues you want to resolve. The therapist may ask you to hold an image linked to a negative belief in your mind. As you focus on the image, the therapist will ask what, if any, physical sensations you’re feeling.
As you focus on the memory or sensation, the therapist will ask you to consider a positive belief or statement that could be true if your issue were resolved. As you hold the positive thoughts in your mind, the therapist will lead you through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds.
The theory behind EMDR is that bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess the event, removing the negative or painful emotions and replacing them with something positive.
EMDR can be especially helpful for clients working through long-held beliefs. For example, EMDR might help a person reprocess “My spouse left me because I’m unworthy of love” into “I’ve been freed from an unhappy marriage.” The second perception is a much less painful way of looking at the event.
If at any time during the process your emotions become too intense, you’re free to take a break. EMDR is not hypnosis, and you are in control of your thoughts and actions at all times.
~ American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines
(2004, p.18)
*National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/
The effect of traumatic life experiences on an individual’s psychological well-being has been quite well researched. EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for trauma that works quickly and does not require patients to provide a detailed description of negative events or to complete homework assignments between therapy sessions.
Since 1989, randomized studies, clinical reports, and evaluations of the eye movement component of EMDR (bilateral stimulation) have been scientifically conducted and reviewed. Close research has concluded that EMDR is an efficient and effective approach for addressing the psychological symptoms that stem from adverse life experiences. Of particular note is one study done by Kaiser Permanente which reported that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer had PTSD after a mean of six 50-minute EMDR therapy sessions.1
Even people who have not experienced trauma can benefit from the EMDR process.
EMDR helps you change thinking patterns by identifying and challenging the negative thoughts that clutter your brain. Once you’ve uncovered the origin of a negative or distorted thought, you can reframe it into a positive one.
Untreated chronic anxiety can be debilitating. EMDR can teach you how to anticipate and manage anxious feelings as they arise. Once you’ve learned how to anticipate thoughts or situations that provoke anxiety, you can learn how to change your emotional response to those experiences.
While it may take several appointments to fully resolve a long-held belief, clients often experience improvement in their issues after the first EMDR session. Because it works directly on the pathways of brain function and not on the deep excavation of personal history, results from EMDR are typically fast.
This timeline also makes EMDR therapy a good option for dealing with temporary life circumstances such as grief or situational depression.
EMDR is an ideal candidate for virtual mental health therapy. All that’s required is a safe, quiet place where the client and therapist can communicate privately.
Cyti Psychological therapists are dedicated to providing high-quality therapy to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Our fully licensed therapists are available to provide EMDR and other types of therapy 24/7. Schedule your EMDR or other therapy session today at Cyti Psychological.
No matter what you’re going through, You’re Not Alone.
Cyti Psychological therapists are highly qualified and licensed mental health professionals with a passion for helping people thrive. Whether you need help coping with trauma, feel your personal growth is stuck, or are curious about EMDR and how it may benefit you and your quality of life, reach out today.
